Shows
Business of the VTesting for STIs at Home with Siew-Veena Sahi of Testmate HealthGetting tested for STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) can be scary. This week’s guest is here to change that. Siew-Veena Sahi is the Co-Founder & CEO of Testmate Health, an early stage healthcare startup focused on low cost, high-quality, and accurate at-home self-testing. Hear the challenges with modern STI testing, how she decided on urine test kits, the value of at-home testing, how the development stage is going, and what’s next for Testmate Health. Tune in to this episode to make STI testing quick & accurate!
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Siew-Veena Sahi
Testmate Health
2025-03-1328 minBusiness of the VUnlocking Precision Medicine for Women with Priyanka Jain of EvvyThere hasn’t been much data collected on the vaginal microbiome - until now. Priyanka Jain is the Co-Founder & CEO of Evvy, which she started to unlock precision medicine for women by discovering and leveraging overlooked female biomarkers, starting with the vaginal microbiome. Hear the importance of the vaginal microbiome, how Evvy’s vaginal microbiome test works, their business model & revenue streams, how Evvy is bridging the gender gap in medical research & data, and her aspirations to become the leading women’s health database. Tune in to this episode to unlock precision medicine for women!
Learn m...
2025-02-2728 minBusiness of the VPreventing Unintended Pregnancies with Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen of ClutchKitThe US has the highest rate of unintended pregnancies of all industrialized nations. Nearly half of all pregnancies in the US are unintended. That’s why Lisa Beattie Frelinghuysen co-founded ClutchKit, giving young adults the tools to prevent unintended pregnancies. Every ClutchKit includes condoms, a morning after pill, and pregnancy tests. Hear what went into developing ClutchKit, common misconceptions about contraception & the morning after pill, who can benefit most from ClutchKit, how the cost structure works for ClutchKit, and what the future of ClutchKit will look like. Tune in to this episode to prevent unintended pregnancies!
L...
2025-02-0636 minBusiness of the VSupporting Women’s Health Careers with Jodi Neuhauser of In Women’s HealthIt should be easier to build a career in women’s health. That’s the mission of Jodi Neuhauser, Founder & CEO of In Women’s Health and serial entrepreneur in the women’s health space. In Women’s Health is the largest education platform and community for women's health careers. Hear Jodi’s fertility journey, how she started Ovaterra, how to transition into a women’s health career, the potential for AI (Artificial Intelligence) to help with women’s health, and her motivation in starting the Women’s Health PAC. Tune in to this episode to support professionals transitioning into women’s healt...
2025-01-2333 minBusiness of the VCreating a Sexual & Vaginal Health Hub with Jamie Norwood & Cynthia Plotch of Winx HealthLooking for a place where nothing is TMI? You’re in good hands. That’s the mantra of Winx Health, co-founded by Jamie Norwood & Cynthia Plotch. Winx Health is your sexual & vaginal health hub for easy-to-use tests, treatments, and more. Hear the pivotal moments that inspired the company and how the team evolved to add more offerings, including its most innovative products that test for UTI, pregnancy, and more. Jamie & Cynthia share how they’ve responded to the massive legal & policy changes in women’s health and the collaborative nature of women’s health companies. Tune in to this episode to...
2024-12-2629 minBusiness of the VFocusing On Ovarian Health with Piraye Beim of CelmatixKnowledge is power - and that knowledge applies to the ovaries. The more we know about our ovaries, the more prepared we are to ensure they are healthy, plus treat anything that needs attention. Piraye Beim is the Founder & CEO of Celmatix, a preclinical-stage women’s health biotech focused uniquely on ovarian biology. Hear how we can use science to improve healthcare, how our ovaries are central command, how we can make sure we have optimally-functioning ovaries, what will happen with the data Celmatix collects, and their go-to-market strategy. Tune in to this episode to support ovarian health!
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2024-12-1228 minBusiness of the VMenopause Clothing for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats with Tehani Renganathan of femography and its Become brandFinally - clothing made specifically for hot flashes and night sweats. Tehani Renganathan is the Chief of Strategy, Marketing and New Ventures for femography and its B2C brand, Become. Hear how Become is making a name for itself when it comes to menopause clothing, how the tech-enabled clothing works, what materials are included, how customers have reacted to the fabric, and how the brand is addressing the different stages of a hot flash. Tune in to this episode to make hot flashes and night sweats cooler!
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Tehani Renganathan
fe...
2024-10-1728 minBusiness of the VRedesigning the Tampon with Greta Meyer and Amanda Calabrese of SequelThe tampon hasn’t been redesigned with engineering in 80 years. Until now. Greta Meyer and Amanda Calabrese, the Co-Founders of Sequel, have invented The Spiral Tampon - with game-day performance for athletes in mind. Hear what inspired them to create a new tampon, the benefits of the spiral design, how it’s made, their partnership with the 2024 Paris Olympics, and how they’ve navigated the FDA. Tune in to this episode to experience the next generation of tampons!
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Greta Meyer
Amanda Calabrese
Sequel
Today’s H...
2024-10-0327 minBusiness of the VChanging the Pain Game with Ikram Guerd of AspivixWe are long overdue for a modern tenaculum that’s gentler on women - no more uncomfortable, painful IUD insertions. Ikram Guerd, VP of Global Marketing & Managing Director US at Aspivix, is on a mission to reimagine gynecology with “gentle” in mind, resulting in less pain and bleeding - as well as increased comfort in transcervical procedures. Learn the ins and outs of the Carevix device and greater patient satisfaction. Oh, and it is more cost-effective, too. Tune in to this episode to learn how Carevix is literally changing the game (and the pain), replacing the tenaculum with something far be...
2024-09-1930 minBusiness of the VImproving Gynecological and Vaginal Health with Valentina Milanova of DayeIt’s time to bridge the gender gap in healthcare product innovation. Valentina Milanova, Founder, CEO, and CPO of Daye, started the company to raise the standards in gynecological health by creating innovative products and services that fit conveniently into our lives. Hear how her own menstrual history inspired her passion for the industry, how to take control over your health history, functionality of CBD-infused tampons, the vaginal microbiome, and Daye’s approach to sustainability. Tune in to this episode to improve gynecological health!
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Valentina Milanova
Daye
Wisp
2024-09-0528 minBusiness of the VHealth Equity for Women with Marissa Fayer of DeepLook Medical and HERhealthEQWomen deserve better lives through better health. Marissa Fayer, CEO of DeepLook Medical and HERhealthEQ, has made it her mission to reduce the equity gap in access to healthcare for women around the world. In fact, she believes Wealth is Health. Hear her role in developing cutting-edge healthcare technologies, the latest data on dense breasts, how to find strategic partners with your women’s healthcare business, how to handle lengthy clinical trials, and behind-the-scenes of running a nonprofit in the healthcare space. Tune in to this episode to improve health equity for women!
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2024-08-2223 minBusiness of the VVirtual Healthcare for Women in Midlife with Joanna Strober of Midi HealthLooking for patient-centered care in your perimenopause journey? Joanna Strober, Founder and CEO of Midi Health, has crafted a platform specifically for you. Midi Health is a leading virtual care platform focused on female health throughout the menopause transition. Hear what made Joanna start Midi Health, how she was able to differentiate the platform, who actually provides the patient care, how she got her first set of patients, and how to navigate employers and insurance companies. Tune in to this episode to step up healthcare for midlife women!
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Joanna Strober
2024-08-0824 minBusiness of the VNext-Gen Contraceptive and STI Prevention with Lisa Kinsella of LUWIWhat would the opposite of a condom be? It’s the LUWI FINER LINER. Lisa Kinsella is the Founder and CEO of LUWI. The company exists to flip the status quo in women’s health by developing a new and improved solution for women that feels better while providing reliable, safe protection. Hear the “aha” moments that inspired LUWI, her distribution plan, how LUWI works, how the company is educating young women through their marketing, and what the testing and approval process was like. Tune in to this episode to find out how to launch a disruptive women’s health pro...
2024-07-2427 minBusiness of the VAccelerating Women’s Health Research and Investment with Carolee Lee of WHAM (Women’s Health Access Matters)There’s so much more we can do to transform women’s health. Carolee Lee is the Founder and CEO of WHAM (Women’s Health Access Matters). They’re dedicated to funding women’s health research to transform women’s lives. Hear what’s led to WHAM’s growth, how to properly collect data on women’s health, why communication is so key, the impact of menopause in the workplace, and how she measures success. Tune in to this episode to keep moving women’s health research and investment forward!
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Carolee Lee
WHAM
The WH...
2024-07-1130 minBusiness of the VR&D for Women’s Health Products with Heidi Beatty of Crown AbbeyProper R&D can make or break women’s health products. Heidi Beatty is the CEO of Crown Abbey, R&D experts who help their clients develop and launch new products, plus handle all aspects of Project Management. Hear why she’s the reason Alyssa and Rachel know each other, how to balance consumer needs vs. backlash from practitioners, how she tests women’s health products, why communication about ingredients and chemicals is so important, and how women’s healthcare compares in the US vs. UK. Tune in to this episode to help support the next great women’s health pro...
2024-06-2726 minBusiness of the VWomen’s Cardiac Health with Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum of Heart-Tech HealthFew things are more important than your cardiac health. Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum is the Founder and CEO of Heart-Tech Health, a med-tech innovation to decrease the risk of women’s cardiovascular disease and bring prevention to every woman - regardless of location or circumstance. Heart-Tech Health has created Adesso, a comprehensive and holistic approach to having a baseline and understanding the elements of one’s heart health. Hear how she got into cardiology, why heart disease doesn’t get the attention cancer does, the huge benefits of diagnosing heart problems earlier, her approach to educating young doctors, and how she ma...
2024-06-1333 minBusiness of the VAdvancing Women’s Health with Sabrina Martucci Johnson of Daré BioscienceFor too long, women’s health has not been a priority in the scientific and clinical development community. For Daré Bioscience, that’s not ok. Sabrina Martucci Johnson is the Founder, President, and CEO of Daré Bioscience. She’s a life sciences executive committed to advancing improvements in women’s healthcare. Hear how she came up with the business model for Daré, why they went public, how long it takes to get women’s health products approved, how to think about hormones these days, and what new products they have in the works. Tune in to this episode to take women’s...
2024-05-3032 minBusiness of the VA Mid-Life Conversation: Unlock Your Menopause Type With Heather HirschMenopause happens to women. And it affects everyone in society. But menopause is not a singular experience for everybody. Every woman has her own journey in this mid-life process. Heather Hirsch, CEO of Health by Heather Hirsch, brings her rare combination of intellect, energy, passion, and creativity to being an advocate and healthcare partner to mid-life women. Whether through social media, panel discussions, or sitting one-on-one with a patient, Heather knows she is making a difference in the lives of so many. As she says, “Women’s health affects everybody.” Let’s have this mid-life conversation today. Tune in to this e...
2023-05-2525 minBusiness of the VWhat Happens When A Doctor And A Diva Meet On A Girls’ Trip With Kimba WilliamsKimba Williams' energy and passion explode off the screen as she talks about the auspicious meeting of her co-founder on a boat. The chemistry was instant and created the spark that resulted in Kushae. With a broad range of products for feminine care, the company is focused on providing effective, natural, and non-toxic health and hygiene products. Kimba also launched the Foaming Feminine Wash, the gateway drug for female hygiene. It’s interesting what happens when the doctor and diva meet on a trip. Tune in and discover the revolutionary, all-natural, effective solutions for vulvar care.
2023-05-1826 minBusiness of the VFocusing On The Patient’s Experience With Jennifer FinkThere is a concern in the industry towards providing safe and comfortable health procedures for women. Female founders have taken it in their hands to make this happen, just like our guest in this episode. Jennifer Fink, Chief Strategy Officer of Lutech Medical, focused on making sure the patient experience for women - whether after a trauma or a gynecological exam - is not fraught with anxiety, concern, and fear. Lutech's digital colposcope changes the interaction between healthcare providers and patients, reducing the potential stress and discomfort both physically and emotionally. Tune in to this conversation and discover how...
2023-05-1122 minBusiness of the VPrecision Medicine: Following The Data Before Prescribing With Jessica FedererJessica Federer, Managing Partner of Supernode Ventures, has a passion for women's health. Her career starts working in government, transitioning to working with government and big pharma. Jessica combines her dynamic background into her new role. She brings her comprehensive approach to looking at women's health not as a point in time but as a multi-faceted challenge. In her line of sight, Jessica focuses on big problems that need better solutions - like cardiovascular health and autoimmune diseases. Listen to this episode and find the value of precision medicine with Jessica Federer.
2023-05-0431 minBusiness of the VThermaband: A Mother/Daughter Dynamic Duo Face Down Hot FlashesCombine a mother and daughter, legal and business education and incredible experience to create Thermaband - a new way to manage hot flashes. In this episode, Debbie Dickinson and Markea Dickinson share their story of becoming mother-daughter entrepreneurs creating Thermaband. They discuss how they navigate the challenges of being entrepreneurs in the women's health industry, especially as “people in color”. We'll hear about their unique approach to communication, how they deal with disagreements and conflicts, and how they maintain a healthy balance between family and work. They also talk about how they came up with the idea of Thermaband, the...
2023-04-2729 minBusiness of the VRecreating The Women’s Health Care ModelMany women retire, quit, or take another position outside of medicine due to burnout. In the medical field, how are women treated? In this episode, Dr. Somi Javaid, the founder of HerMD, talks about a women’s health care model that cares for female patients and makes happier patients. The model gives the providers mission-driven work and allows them to practice medicine the way it was intended. Dr. Javaid also added that they could maximize the amount of care under the umbrella of HerMD. Tune in to this episode for an insightful conversation.
2023-04-2033 minBusiness of the V10zyme: HPV Diagnostics of the FutureHPV diagnostics is currently not very convenient, requiring patients to go to their doctor’s office for the test. Now, 10zyme founder Dr. Angela Pine wants to change that. She wants to improve access to HPV diagnostics by developing quicker, cheaper and more user-friendly tests. Angela joins Alyssa and Rachel in today’s episode as she shares the current state of HPV testing and 10zyme’s goal to create a reliable home diagnostic kit for HPV.
2023-04-1323 minBusiness of the VSustainable Beauty: How Amyris Raises The Standards For Menopause And Beyond With Deb MillardIn the beauty industry, transparency and sustainability not only increase standards but also allow consumers to make informed choices about the products they use. Which then ultimately leads to a healthier and more equitable future for all. In this episode, Deb Millard, the President of Stripes and Healthy Aging brands at Amyris, discusses how its commitment to innovation and sustainability is changing the beauty industry. Deb shares her journey and how her children influenced her decision-making at Amyris. She delves into the evolving standards of beauty products and cosmetics, with a particular focus on those for older women. She...
2023-04-0627 minBusiness of the VYonifit: The Solution To Incontinence With Allison WatkinsAllison Watkins, Founder and CEO of Watkins-Conti Products, didn't know that when she gave birth to, as she would say, "11 pounds of baby," she would also give birth to a business. After experiencing incontinence and searching for solutions, Allison decided to create a better option. With her indomitable energy and focus, Allison raised money, completed clinical studies, and created Yonifit, a device that comes in 6 sizes for the potential management of SUI symptoms. Learn how Yonifit may solve your problem with SUI (pending FDA approval)! Listen and tune in now!
2023-03-3029 minBusiness of the VThe Body Agency: A New Narrative In Women’s Health With Kate Roberts“A woman’s body is a powerhouse. It can do extraordinary things.” -Kate Roberts, Founder of The Body Agency.
Cultural differences and religion create a gap in sexual health for women. In this episode, Kate Roberts, Founder of The Body Agency, shares a new narrative on women’s health offered by the agency. Kate shares how their website morphs into three parts to help fill the gap with health products, services, and education. She also explains the importance of their partnership with Inspire to become women’s health and sexual wellness partners where they have a safe spac...
2023-03-2329 minBusiness of the VWhy We Need A Patient-Centered Model For Sexual Wellness With Dr. Rachel RubinIn today’s fast-paced world, medicine has become very disengaged. It is an assembly line, and building patient relationships seem to no longer be a priority. This is especially true in women’s sexual health, where not only hospital systems but also venture capital companies do not value it. Dr. Rachel Rubin has observed this and made it her mission to create value where no one is. After a career in urology, Dr. Rubin found a space in the healthcare delivery ecosystem to provide different and better care. With a focus on male and female sexual wellness, Dr. Rubin is bui...
2023-03-1630 minBusiness of the VBreaking Stigma Around The Menstrual Cycle With Danielle KeiserMenstrual cycle is a monthly occurrence for women, but it seems that it is still plagued with misconceptions. Since many see it only as a part of ovulation, a lot of women overlook proper menstrual hygiene. And if complications happen, they are not addressed properly. Danielle Keiser acknowledged this must be resolved immediately, and so she built a career around her unflinching interest in all things cycle-related. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl, she shares how she changes the conversation and the amount of education around menstruation. Danielle explains how she takes a comprehensive approach to the intersection...
2023-03-0933 minBusiness of the VFairtility: Using AI For Fertility Management With Eran EshedWhat do automotive technology and fertility management have in common? As unlikely as this pairing sounds, they both benefit from the power of artificial intelligence. This is why it was quite seamless for Eran Eshed to shift careers from the technology space to fertility management. Ultimately, the fundamentals of the technology were the same, and Eran was just happy to be able to apply his expertise to something that’s very compassionate. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl on the podcast, the co-founder and CEO of Fairtility shares how his team in Israel developed a way to enhance th...
2023-03-0234 minBusiness of the VA New Approach To Sexual WellnessWomen who deal with vaginal adhesions may suffer from extreme discomfort and experience sandpaper-like sex. One of the most practical solutions to this problem is undergoing a dilation therapy. However, this process can be uncomfortable all the same. Aquafit Intimate has created a new approach to dilators to address sexual wellness and intimate health in an enjoyable way. Joining Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl are two of the company’s Co-Founders, Rebecca Sternberg and Varda Messer. They share how they have made dilators more accessible through hydrogel, making this equipment less barbaric than static dilators. Rebecca and Varda al...
2023-02-2342 minBusiness of the VOvarian Physiology: Helping Women Live Longer, Healthier Lives With Dr. Daisy RobintonWe have undeniably come a long way when it comes to health. Yet, there is still so much that hasn’t been explored about women’s health. There is a noticeable gap in how women can learn about the different chapters of their lives. Dr. Daisy Robinton, the Co-founder and CEO of Oviva Therapeutics, is elevating conversations around women’s health, helping them live longer, healthier lives. In this episode, she discusses hormones, ovaries, and our overall reproductive health and the current struggles in the space to tackle the unknowns and black boxes on them. Plus, Dr. Robinton shares the gr...
2023-02-1625 minBusiness of the VRevolutionizing the Necessary Practice of Skin-to-Skin Care with New BornsBeing a new parent is far from easy: there are so many things to worry about, so many challenges, and things can sometimes spiral out of control. Breastfeeding, postpartum for new moms, preventing infant falls, and so much more are all worries that come with being a new parent. The market is flooded with products that claim to solve these issues and concerns but in reality, you can never be certain that you’ve chosen the right solution. In response to some of these worries there is a product for new parents, both mom and dad, and it’s simp...
2022-12-1525 minBusiness of the VSelfcare for ‘Down There’ as a Woman of ColorWhen it comes to caring for our bodies, most of us know that we should be doing a little bit of everything — from eating healthy foods to getting regular exercise, to taking care of our skin. But when it comes to specifically taking care of the hair down there, many women don't know where to start. Today we discuss the lack of vaginal and skincare products aimed at women of color and how our guest is bridging this gap and allowing these women to take care of their pubic area without feeling dazed and confused.
Dr. Cynthia We...
2022-12-0822 minBusiness of the VBringing Needs & Wants of Women Ages 40+ into FocusAs the number of businesses devoted to menopause treatment and wellness continues to grow, global innovation focused on the health and wellness wants and needs of women ages 40+ grows as well. As we become more aware of the difficulties that menopausal women face on a daily basis, it is becoming increasingly important to understand these women’s wants and needs in order to help them in the most effective manner.
Our hosts, Dr. Dweck and Rachel, are joined today by Denise Pines, co-founder of the FemAging HealthTech Report and a woman whose numerous spheres of interest focus pr...
2022-12-0130 minBusiness of the VRestoring Vaginal Vibrancy Without HormonesThe more people we meet on this podcast, the more unmet needs in the field of women’s health emerge, and the number appears to be infinite. Vaginal dryness and painful sex have been prominent topics for some time, but we are now approaching these issues from a new angle.
These issues, in particular, can be very common and very debilitating for women who have survived breast cancer and have been thrown into instantaneous menopause with sudden vaginal dryness. Recognizing how concerning this was, our guest decided to change the paradigm for treating vaginal dryness by providing a...
2022-11-1729 minBusiness of the VA Digital Health Companion Empowering Women in Midlife & BeyondWe are witnessing significant growth in the field of menopause treatment, and it appears that the numbers are increasing exponentially, thus demonstrating the importance of this branch within the field of women’s health. New businesses and platforms are developing and we are eager to introduce them to the people who need to know who they are. In today’s episode of the Busine$$ of the V we are looking at Khyria, a brand-new support solution for women who are entering or experiencing both perimenopause or menopause symptoms. This platform helps women develop healthier habits, track their progress, and achi...
2022-11-1025 minBusiness of the VInnovating Pelvic Health for Women EverywhereIn today’s episode of the Busine$$ of the V, Rachel and Dr. Dweck have an incredibly inspiring and motivating conversation about how overcoming a disease can encourage you to start a business and help other people going through the same journey. Our guest today is Rachel Bartholomew, the founder and CEO of Hyivy Health, a company that has created the first intelligent and holistic pelvic rehabilitation device for women experiencing symptoms from pelvic cancers and diseases. Pelvic health issues are extremely common in women; in fact, one third of all women worldwide are experiencing these difficulties and are no...
2022-11-0329 minBusiness of the VThis Platforms Enhances your Baby Feeding JourneyOne of the most difficult tasks for new mothers is undoubtedly feeding the baby. There are so many decisions to make, and you never know if you’re making the right ones. Since so many parents believe they are not receiving adequate support throughout this process, our guest for today decided it was her responsibility to facilitate this journey for them. Her name is Andrea Ippolito, and she is the founder and the CEO of SimpliFed.
Andrea is a warm and contagiously positive person who decided to devote her career to guiding pregnant and postpartum women through the...
2022-10-2728 minBusiness of the VThis App Helps You Track Your MenopauseAs menopause gains traction and public awareness grows, there is an increasing number of interesting people and companies in the field who deserve to be mentioned. One of them is Ann Garnier, the founder and CEO of Lisa Health, a company that helps women transform the menopause life stage and empowers them to thrive in it. Midday is their new an app launched in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic that helps women track their menopause and navigate all of the problems and solutions that arise during this stage of life.
Ann Garnier is a healthcare leader who...
2022-10-2022 minBusiness of the VTampons and Menstrual Cups: The Best of Both WorldsWe have witnessed some of the most dramatic changes in terms of menstrual products, and just when we thought we’d seen it all, our today’s guest rocked our world and proved us wrong! If you’re not a fan of tampons and are still skeptical about menstrual cups, you’ll be thrilled to learn that there’s actually a perfect combination of these two, and it’s called Tulipon.
Our guest for today comes from the faraway land of Israel, and she has stories to tell. Hilla Shaviv is the founder and CEO of Gals Bio, a game...
2022-10-1331 minBusiness of the VHow Menopause Affects Women in the WorkplaceElektra Health is back on our show, they’re still smashing menopause taboos, and this time they bring good news! Menopause is gaining traction, there’s a lot going on in this space, and we’re thrilled because women truly deserve it. When it comes to menopause, Elektra Health is a must-visit platform, and they bring you everything you need to navigate this journey: education, care, community, and conversation. Elektra is all about science, evidence-based information, expert care, and endless sources of support.
Today we hear from Jannine Versi, the co-founder and COO of Elektra Health. She’s previo...
2022-10-0632 minBusiness of the VThe Importance of Puberty EducationIf you’re the parent of a t(w)een or about to be one, you’re in for a treat! Puberty is something that everyone must go through, yet we continue to make such a big deal about it. Parents often don’t know how to approach this topic or lack the right vocabulary, whereas children are either not interested in the discussion or believe TikTokkers have more credibility than their folks. This is where pediatricians come into play, and today we have the honor of welcoming Dr. Lisa Klein, a practicing pediatrician and co-founder of Turning Teen.
...
2022-09-2233 minBusiness of the VThis Platform Focuses on Recurrent UTIsDid you know that urinary tract infection is the second most common infection in the United States? Does anyone ever bring that up? We say: maybe, but not nearly enough! As UTIs affect a majority of women on this continent, our clinicians might be relying on obsolete treatment options, and women may feel stigmatized by society. Business of the V speaks with two incredible women dedicated to changing the world of UTIs!
In this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, hear from Lindsey Williams and Megan Henken, the Co-Founders of MyUTI. This is the very first...
2022-09-0828 minBusiness of the VPlant-Based Sexual Pleasure BoostingLet’s face it: great orgasms are something we all strive for, whether we realize it or not. Most people find sexual pleasure and orgasms elusive and unattainable, which is why we sometimes feel miserable, our relationships fall apart, and we simply end up feeling dazed and confused. This is why in today’s episode of the Busine$$ of the V we bring you Kiana Reeves, a woman whose mission is to help people understand their sexuality and achieve pleasure during sexual encounters.
Kiana is the Chief Brand Officer at Foria Wellness, a company whose plant-based products are...
2022-08-2530 minBusiness of the VThis is How Investing in Women’s Health Companies WorksMarrying business and medicine is what this podcast is all about. Having said that, we bring you Dr. Alice Zheng, the woman whose entire professional life revolves around business, health, and making these two work well together. Dr. Zheng is a principal at RH Capital, a fund that invests in women’s health companies that are bringing innovation, access, and equity. This fund’s priorities are maternal health, contraception, and reproductive health, all of which are highly underestimated areas of healthcare. Being a fervent advocate for equity in women’s health, Dr. Zheng has dedicated her career to making things...
2022-08-1832 minBusiness of the VFemtech Business in Japan
In this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, we travel to Japan, the epicenter of the femtech revolution. Dr. Dweck and Rachel are chatting with Dr. Amina Sugimoto who offers fascinating insight into the tectonic shifts taking place in the Asian market as women’s health and empowerment become increasingly important. Dr. Sugimoto is the CEO and co-founder of fermata, a platform that brings global femtech products directly to Asia. In other words, Dr. Sugimoto is part of a small group of female entrepreneurs who are shaking up the way we perceive sexual and reproductive wellness.
Ap...
2022-08-1129 minBusiness of the VWomen’s Health from a Legal PerspectiveHealthcare and law may seem unrelated, but this episode of the Busine$$ of the V aims to demonstrate just how intertwined they really are. Dr. Dweck and Rachel are delighted to welcome Delphine O’Rourke, one of the few and esteemed attorneys focusing on women’s health. Delphine is extremely subspecialized in the field of law, and she is a trailblazer in the field of women’s health legislation. Her primary concern is, as she puts it, “what can I do to contribute to advancing the health and wellness of women?”
This discussion emphasizes the importance...
2022-08-0435 minBusiness of the VUsing TikTok to Normalize the Menopause ConversationWho knew that TikTok could serve as a resource for millions of women trying to figure out menopause? Certainly not Tamsen Fadal, who tentatively dipped a toe into the social media platform for the first time only to be shocked by the eye-opening response. In no time her post – 34 Symptoms of Menopause – blew up and the award-winning New York news anchor had uncovered her next assignment! As we’ll learn on this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, there is a movement afoot to make the world safe for discussions about menopause. It’s here, it’s real and its im...
2022-07-2836 minBusiness of the VThis Female Founder is Making a Buzz in the Sextech IndustryAccording to the old adage, there’s no bad publicity so long as they spell your name right. That certainly proved true in the case of Lora H. DiCarlo, founder of an innovative company that manufactures vibrators. When the Consumer Technology Association distinguished her data-driven products with an industry award – only to take it back based on a morality clause cited by organization higher-ups – it launched a strategic media campaign that put Lora DiCarlo in the spotlight, as well as the driver’s seat!
As you’ll learn on this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Lora is...
2022-07-1433 minBusiness of the VThese Disposable Undies are Changing the Conversation About IncontinenceWhen it comes to female incontinence, it’s a little unexpected to see a young businessman as the face of a solution. But Steven Cruz is here to tell us on this episode of Busine$$ of the V exactly how he came to develop an innovative disposable underwear that is breaking barriers and changing the conversation. As a founder of Hazel, he is helping to shake up a consumer product sector that has been stigmatized and stagnant for decades.
Hosts Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl walk their guest through how the Hazel model was...
2022-06-3030 minBusiness of the VBetter Ovarian Cancer Diagnostics Are Being Developed by This Femtech StartupLong known as a “silent killer,” ovarian cancer wouldn’t claim nearly as many women’s lives as it does each year if reliable early screening were available. But as we learn on this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, such diagnostics have been elusive — a challenge that Oriana Papin-Zoghbi and her co-founders at AOA have taken up with a passion that has yielded amazing progress.
We learn about this innovative femtech startup company’s new blood test and where it is on its journey to market (stay tuned for 2025!). Co-hosts Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Br...
2022-06-2324 minBusiness of the VThis Platform Helps Women Struggling with Low Libido & Sexual DysfunctionThis episode of the Busine$$ of the V is focused on a digital health platform that is drawing raves from women wrestling with low libido and sexual dysfunction. Dr. Dweck and Rachel are hearing from Dr. Lyndsey Harper, an entrepreneur to watch in the sexual health space. She is the CEO and Founder of Rosy, a unique platform that blends education, coaching and a supportive community for women to better understand – and revel in – their sexuality.
As Dr. Dweck likes to say, “Sexual health is general health,” which is why the subscription-based Rosy business model’s positive...
2022-06-1628 minBusiness of the VSuhani Jolata is Building a Platform of Change For Women in India
Deeply entrenched stigmas and taboos are hard to overcome. But if there’s anyone who can effect transformational change it would have to be Suhani Jalota, the social entrepreneur Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome on this episode of The Busine$$ of the V. She has not only founded the visionary Myna Mahila Foundation to educate and debunk disempowering myths about menstruation prevalent in India, she’s ultimately seeking to do nothing short of revolutionize the Indian economy to equalize the power of women within their households. It’s an amazing agenda for anyone, but particularly for such a youn...
2022-05-2632 minBusiness of the VThis Device Disrupts Hot Flashes For Women in MenopauseCould it be that menopause is finally getting its day in the sun? On this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel showcase the latest example of a femtech product addressing a massive, never-ending, recession-proof market opportunity. Liz Gazda, CEO of Embr Labs, is introducing us to a therapeutic device that disrupts hot flashes at the touch of a button. It’s a welcome solution for menopausal women, who spend an average $2,000 per year on various treatments to ease persistent symptoms.
This conversation underscores the significant loss of productivity associated with wom...
2022-05-1925 minBusiness of the VHow to Raise Venture Capital for FemTech StartupsWomen’s sexual health is more than a huge (often untapped) market with outsized impacts, it’s also a huge investment opportunity. Learn more about this sector and its many verticals from Carli Sapir, Founding Partner at Amboy Street Ventures, who is sharing with Rachel and Dr. Dweck the ins and outs of raising capital for “femtech” and related startups on this episode of Busine$$ of the V. It may still be a challenge to pitch products and platforms associated with women’s sexuality and pleasure, for instance, but entrepreneurs – mostly women – are out there cracking open space for candid convers...
2022-05-1227 minBusiness of the VThese Patented Undies Let More People Say Yes to Oral SexMany of the most impactful products in the sextech space have grown up in direct response to an unmet need. As we learn on this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Melanie Cristol brainstormed her unique patented underwear technology because she wanted to enable more people to say “yes” to oral sex. You’ll learn how and why the CEO & Founder of Lorals stepped out of a successful partner-track legal career in order to launch an international venture that promotes not only more oral sex but more orgasms, sensual fun and exploration of all kinds.
This ep...
2022-05-0528 minBusiness of the VUnderstanding Inequities in Women’s Healthcare ResearchThis episode highlights inequities in clinical research due to a lack of both diversity and nuance within the industry. To understand the “why” behind this persistent problem, Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome Dr. Ru-fong Joanne Cheng, Senior Medical Director in charge of women’s health projects in the Office of the Chief Medical Officer at Johnson & Johnson. It’s an overwhelmingly tall order, but this conversation breaks down many of the stubborn barriers to inclusive medicine one by one.
You’ll learn about the $100 million dollar commitment that J&J has made to correcting inequities in women’s health car...
2022-04-2831 minBusiness of the VUnbound Breaks Down the Barriers of Discussing Women’s Sexual WellnessThis episode highlights the huge progress we’re seeing (at long last!) in the sextech industry. Dr. Dweck and Rachel invite their guest Polly Rodriguez to share the journey of Unbound, the sexual wellness company she initially founded to fill a market gap – only to discover its super-power: Breaking open the silence around women’s sexual health and wellness.
Diagnosed at 21 years old with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, Polly was thrown into premature menopause, with all its ancillary challenges. She was no more willing to accept being “put sexually out to pasture” than she was willing to succumb to cancer...
2022-04-2132 minBusiness of the VThe Center for Intimacy Justice is Tackling Facebook’s Censorship of Health AdsThis episode of the Busine$$ of the V features Jackie Rotman, CEO and founder of the Center for Intimacy Justice (CIJ), a social change organization committed to equity and wellbeing in people’s intimate lives. You’ll learn about how CIJ is helping to rewrite the rules in tech companies' ad policies to allow ads for female sexual health and wellness – which are systematically censored today. She also shares the story of her journey to advocacy in the “sextech” space and the results of a compelling new study.
Among other things, CIJ's recent study reveals that 100% of 60 companies...
2022-04-1431 minBusiness of the VWomaness Creates Modern Menopause ProductsOn this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, hosts Dr. Dweck and Rachel ramp up a conversation that has burst forth in recent years. No more is menopause a whispered word, suitable only for the gynecologist’s office. With some 20 percent of women in the U.S. at some stage of menopause — many of them in the workforce — it was time to break the silence, which is just what Michelle Jacobs and Sally Mueller, the co-founders of Womaness, have done.
As CEO and COO respectively, Sally and Michelle are all about taking the “pause” out of menopause...
2022-04-0732 minBusiness of the VPulse Transforms Personal Intimate Wellness Into A Warm & Luxurious ExperienceIt’s not often that we associate menopause-related products with high-end retail outlets like Nordstrom’s and Bloomingdale’s but that’s the feat achieved by Amy Buckalter, the visionary featured on this episode of the Busine$$ of the V. Hosts Dr. Dweck and Rachel get the full rundown on her burgeoning company Pulse, which has developed a bespoke dispenser for lubricants that is drawing fans well beyond its originally intended target audience.
“Gone are the days of cheap plastic tubes that look like they belong in the drugstore,” says Amy, who is founder and CEO of the Seattle...
2022-03-3127 minBusiness of the VThis is How Aspira Women’s Health is Detecting the Risk of Ovarian Cancer EarlyWith its lack of early diagnostics and greater than 50% mortality rate, ovarian cancer impacts enormous costs to women and society as a whole. But there is light at the end of the tunnel, thanks to Valerie Palmieri, a force to be reckoned with and the featured guest on this episode of Busine$$ of the V. As President and CEO at Aspira Women’s Health, she is not only overseeing the development of blood-based solutions that will improve gynecologic health outcomes, she is also fighting mightily to ensure that these non-invasive blood based risk assessment tools are available to women acr...
2022-03-2135 minBusiness of the VFem Foundry Connects Women Who LeadWhat if women around the world had a single platform through which to support and “upscale” each other? That’s the goal for Dr. Dweck’s and Rachel’s guest on this episode of Busine$$ of the V. Amy Williams is Founder and CEO at Fem Foundry, a one-of-a-kind online resource of the sort she wished were available when she was navigating a lonely, challenging life passage.
Some 74% of women globally report that they have no role models from whom to draw inspiration – a troubling gap that Fem Foundry aims to fill with its free app, which is...
2022-02-0331 minBusiness of the VThis Website is a Judgement Free Zone for Sex EdHow is it that so many of us are more sure of what we want on a sandwich than in our sexual pleasure? On this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl take on this question along with their guest, Andrea Barrica. Her sexual education platform, the O.School, has carved out a niche by providing a safe place for people in search of science-based and accessible information. Over the past five years Andrea’s team at O.School have compiled a treasure trove of data and insights about the predilections, fears and cu...
2022-01-2732 minBusiness of the VThis Device Offers a Pain Free Solution to IncontinenceThis episode of Busine$$ of the V features a game-changing new FemTech response to urinary incontinence, a very common and largely unseen condition often linked to pregnancy, childbirth and menopause. As Dr. Dweck knows from her own practice, Kegel exercises can be very effective in restoring pelvic floor muscle strength, but many busy women aren’t able to make the commitment of time and intention required. That’s where Elitone comes in. It’s the brainchild of Gloria Kolb, CEO at Elidah, Inc., who dug into the research after herself experiencing the physiological impacts of delivering three large babies.
...
2022-01-2027 minBusiness of the VThis Startup is Creating Better Diagnostic Tools for EndometriosisThis episode of Busine$$ of the V takes on a gynecological affliction that affects a significant number of women, can take years to diagnose and often leaves permanent scarring and even infertility. Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome Somer Baburek, CEO and President of Hera Biotech, an early-stage women's health company bringing to market a minimally invasive diagnostic for endometriosis. Tens of millions of reproductive-age women and girls globally are affected by the chronic, sometimes immobilizing pain of this disease, which on average takes clinicians seven years to identify. In the meanwhile, a huge percentage of sufferers endure scarring, with...
2022-01-1328 minBusiness of the VThis is How the Dripstick Went ViralThis episode of Busine$$ of the V features Frances Tang, the forward-thinking founder of Awkward Essentials, a startup devoted to taking the taboo out of post-sex cleanup. It might not be the easiest of entrepreneurial concepts to sell, but with her flair for social media and creative pitching, Frances has turned an intimate personal care challenge into a viable and thriving niche enterprise.
Individually packaged and easy to use, the company’s flagship product, the Dripstick, is a super absorbent sponge that makes quick work of cleaning up fluids after sex. With her down-to-earth approach and...
2022-01-0728 minBusiness of the V2021 Recap From Alyssa & RachelAlyssa couldn't have said it any better. It's been an unbelievable year in the world of vagina's and business.
This podcast was born from a desire to educate themselves and other people about the intersection of businesses creating solutions and solving problems for vaginal health.
We've released 30 episodes in 2021 with many more to come in 2022.
We've been overwhelmed by the excitement and the response to this podcast and can't wait to share what's coming up next!
If you found this podcast useful to you, please leave us a review on your f...
2021-12-3005 minBusiness of the VOhNut - The Most Downloaded Episode of 2021As we come to the end of another year we wanted to take a moment to reflect. We are so thankful for all of our guests, our listeners and our sponsors that made Business of the V possible this year.
Here is a re-release of our most downloaded episode of the year featuring OhNut.
Look for all new episodes dropping in January of 2022!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In this episode, Dr. Dweck and Rachel interview Emily Sauer, founder of OhNut, female entrepreneur, maker, IRL community leader, and sexual health advocate with a passion to empower w...
2021-12-1630 minBusiness of the VThis Fem-Tech Startup is Providing Relief for Your VulvaIf you’re interested in the ultimate lemons-to-lemonade startup story, then this episode of Busine$$ of the V is for you. It features a woman who has channeled second-degree burns from a Brazilian wax gone wrong and a punishing round of breast cancer treatment into a hot new women’s health product. Suzanne Sinatra, CEO & Founder of Private Packs, shares with us her remarkable entrepreneurial journey – an inspiring success story built on resiliency and fire. Her wearable, reusable cooling/heating packs are designed specifically for the V – and women are scooping them up direct online and nationwide in retail outlets...
2021-12-0932 minBusiness of the VWhat Women Need to Know About Vaginal OdorThis episode of Busine$$ of the V introduces a dynamo who proves that anything is possible with bootstrap determination. Deeannah Seymour, CEO & Founder of pH-D Feminine Health, shares the story of how she founded her company and grew it from limited online sales on Amazon (where the rave reviews came in an avalanche) to availability at some 35,000 retail outlets nationwide. It’s a profile in persistence and tribute to a woman who turned an undergraduate degree in biology and her experience working in the pharmaceutical industry into a highly successful – and growing – entrepreneurial powerhouse.
pH-D Feminin...
2021-12-0237 minBusiness of the VHow Kindra Built Community Through Education About MenopauseCommunities are built in all kinds of ways, but when it comes to menopause it’s education that knits the fabric together. In this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel learn about how Kindra has created space for women navigating this stage of life. As CEO Catherine Balsam-Schwaber explains, Kindra’s platform and products are all about destigmatizing and managing symptoms throughout this important – but too often shrouded – life passage.
More than a billion women will be in menopause by 2025, a tidal wave of experience that demands quality information and support. But there...
2021-11-1836 minBusiness of the VHow Rosebud Woman Created an Intimate Skincare BrandWho doesn’t want to know more about a company whose mantra is: Joy and pleasure are your birthright? On this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel offer robust conversation about an intimate skincare company that embraces self-love. Christine Marie Mason, founder and CEO of Rosebud Woman, shares her journey from successful B2B tech startup guru to femtech entrepreneur.
Rosebud Woman makes effective, sustainable, beautiful products designed to enhance satisfaction and reduce suffering across all the stages of a women's sensual, sexual and reproductive life. Built with an integrative approach tha...
2021-11-1131 minBusiness of the VSustainable Solutions to Menstruation and IncontinenceOn this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome Toni Brannagan, whose work as content editor at Thinx Inc. is generating an exciting conversation about menstrual underwear. This innovative company has transcended the “ick” factor with candid advertising, multi-platform communications and an emphasis on education. We’re saying goodbye to the granny panties and hello to a new alternative to tampons and pads!
Toni explains the design and intent behind Thinx’s unique menstrual underwear, including game-changing odor and moisture wicking technology. She also highlights the many ways in which Thinx is fosterin...
2021-11-0416 minBusiness of the VEmpowering Women to Restore Their Pelvic HealthOnce again, Rachel and Dr. Dweck are hosting a conversation that brings to light a topic little discussed but pervasive in the world of women’s health. Their guest on this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Tracy MacNeal, explains why dilators have an important role to play for a huge number of women who are suffering – usually undiagnosed – with pelvic floor-related issues. President and CEO at Materna Health, she shares the ins and outs (so to speak) of the products they have on the market and in development to treat and prevent pelvic floor issues.
Materna Medica...
2021-10-2835 minBusiness of the VHow Your Hormones Are Affecting Your SkinSo many of us have spent years trying to figure out the riddle of our skin. On this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome someone who is helping us to figure it all out by connecting the dots – starting with the many hormones at play. Learn why Allie Eagan’s career trajectory made her uniquely positioned to launch Veracity Skincare, a personalized skin suite of testing and products like none other on the market today.
Based in scientific data, Veracity’s advanced formulations deliver clean beauty products designed to optimize each ind...
2021-10-2130 minBusiness of the VAdvancing the Field of Multipurpose Prevention TechnologiesGiven that women are the ultimate multi-taskers, it’s no surprise that they resonate with new Multi-Purpose Prevention Technologies (MPTs) – the focus of this episode of Busine$$ of the V. Dr. Bethany Holt, director of the CAMI Public Health Institute, shares with Dr. Dweck and Rachel the common-sense wisdom behind combining reproductive health with HIV and STI protections.
In an apt analogy, Rachel compares developing “co-administered” technologies related to women’s health with improvements to toothpaste over the years. Advances in dental health care have been introduced to the formula without requiring any change on the part of...
2021-10-1427 minBusiness of the VThis Agency Forecasts Trends for Femtech BrandsOn this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel welcome a pioneer in the FemTech space. As the Founder & Director of Ultra Violet Futures, Anna Butterworth is bringing future forecasting into new realms of health innovation. Whether you’re a startup geared toward women’s needs or looking to grow a business already in that space, she is all about elevating brands and showcasing innovative products. And lest you think this work is siloed, Anna explains how FemTech is spanning sectors including sex, health, travel and technology.
With education as a focal point, FemTech is c...
2021-10-0727 minBusiness of the VHow Kathrin Folkendt is Innovating for Women’s HealthThis episode of Busine$$ of the V is all about the intersection of women’s health and technology. Alyssa and Rachel speak with Kathrin Folkendt, who began in the tech world, later combining technology with women’s health and is now the founder of Perla and Femtech Insider. Kathrin discusses PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) – a condition that she has been diagnosed with and one that affects 10 percent of women.
Kathrin discusses her own experience with PCOS as well as points where many women struggle with this condition such as the difficult process of diagnosis, dealing with a chronic...
2021-09-3022 minBusiness of the VLife Changing Solutions for Women in MenopauseWith 6,000 women entering menopause on a daily basis, the market opportunity is huge and growing. This episode of Busine$$ of the V features Colette Courtion, whose innovative medical device company has spawned all kinds of conversation as well as welcome product offerings. Join Dr. Dweck and her co-host Rachel in exploring the evolution of Joylux, whose brand is focused on providing life-changing, scientifically-based solutions for women in mid-life.
Colette launched her entrepreneurial venture after learning post-partum about some of the long-term issues that arise as women enter their next phase of life, including incontinence, vaginal d...
2021-09-2330 minBusiness of the VMilk Stork Gets Breast Milk Where It Needs to Go For Hard Working ParentsSometimes employees need to educate their employers and Kate Torgersen is a case in point! In this episode of Busine$$ of the V, Dr. Dweck and Rachel unspool the story of how MilkStork, the first-ever breast milk shipping company, came into being. Formerly an executive communications manager for 18 years with Clif Bar & Co., Kate entered a whole new world when she added young kids to her work-life equation. She found that nursing infants – which is a priority for so many working moms – too often translated into all kinds of challenge, stress and even humiliation.
Kate took...
2021-09-1632 minBusiness of the VWomen’s Health Trends & The Entrepreneurs Behind ThemThis episode of Busine$$ of the V is about having important conversations surrounding sexual wellness and reproductive health. Guest Claire McCormack, founder of Beauty Independent, shares her in-depth knowledge of entrepreneurs, their personal stories and rising trends in the market space of intimate beauty. Furthermore, she shares about today’s increase in consumer awareness and the impact that it has had on the market’s demand for clean beauty offerings.
Hot topics that affect the conversations surrounding the intimate beauty industry include product sensitivities, menopause, body dysmorphia, and the need to focus on diversity in beauty. As a re...
2021-09-0937 minBusiness of the VProov Gives Women More Control Over Their Reproductive LivesThis episode of Busine$$ of the V is about helping women beat infertility by asking the right questions. Guest Amy Beckley, owner and CEO of Proov, introduces us to a new home ovulation test that asks not “if” but “how.” Called Proov, this ovulation test frames the infertility conversation around overall ovarian health by measuring the quality of ovulation over a mere presence of eggs. This understanding of quality ovulation can help women develop a better plan to overcome the challenge of infertility.
Studies show that 1 in 8 couples in the United States wrestle with infertility every year, and the...
2021-09-0234 minBusiness of the VEmme was Designed to Keep Your Birth Control Pills on TrackThis episode of Busine$$ of the V is all about putting technology in the hands of women, starting with birth control. Guest Amanda French, co-founder and CEO of Emme, introduces us to an integrated technology-enabled solution designed to safeguard the birth control experience and reduce the rate of missed pills. With its unique multi-sensor “smart” design, Emme’s case syncs with an app to send persistent, customized reminders as well as contraceptive guidance and a comprehensive window into overall reproductive health.
At least 80% of users struggle with missed pills each year, resulting in some 1 million unplanned pregnanci...
2021-08-2629 minBusiness of the VOrganicare Creates All Natural Herpes Relief Backed By ScienceFeminine health issues like yeast infections and genital herpes are still considered “taboo” when it comes to media portrayal, and even sometimes in healthcare circles. On this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, hosts Rachel-Braun Scherl and Dr. Alyssa Dweck sit down with Caroline Goodner, the founder and CEO of OrganiCare.
OrganiCare is an efficacious and all-natural healthcare company that specializes in creating products to treat feminine health concerns like yeast infections and genital herpes. With products like FemiClear and Curoxen that are both natural and scientifically proven to work, Caroline has blazed a new trail when...
2021-08-1931 minBusiness of the VElektra Health Is Transforming the Future of MenopauseIt’s all about “smashing taboos,” as Elektra Health CEO Alessandra Henderson puts it on this episode of the Busine$$ of the V. Together with Dr. Dweck and Rachel, she explains how the market for menopausal education and treatment is burgeoning and what it means from a start-up perspective.
Co-founded by Alessandra just two years ago, Elektra Health is a unique online platform built on three pillars: Education, Expertise and Community. Millions of women have been underserved in their often decade-long journey through menopause, so Alessandra and her team have stepped up with a telehealth alternative within the wo...
2021-08-1226 minBusiness of the VUqora Tackles UTI's In A Whole New WayU-T-I. Mention these three letters to just about any woman and you’ll likely elicit instant recognition. In this episode of the Busine$$ of the V, Rachel and Dr. Dweck introduce a proactive advance of interest to anyone who has dealt with a urinary tract infection – which is millions of us every year. Jenna Ryan, founder of Uqora, explains how her line of health products is jumpstarting a neglected area of women’s health while becoming a gold-standard business startup at the same time.
Contracted nearly as commonly as the common cold, women are particularly prone to UTIs...
2021-08-0524 minBusiness of the VDame Products Closes the Pleasure Gap for WomenIf only 4% of women report internal penetration as their most reliable route to climax, then why has the vibrator industry been built around products shaped like penises? The reasons are clear, as you’ll discover in this episode of the Busine$$ of the V. Women’s sexual pleasure is finally moving into the mainstream and Alex Fine, co-founder of Dame Products, explains why.
Designed by and for women, Dame Products has taken vibrators into a new realm – one that encourages open conversation about sexuality. Alex explains the process by which she and her team at Dame put togeth...
2021-07-2929 minBusiness of the VPeriod Poverty, Hustle Culture & Self Worth with Nadya OkamotoThis week’s episode features a young woman who is changing the conversation around women’s reproductive health, and more specifically the stigma associated with period products. Barely into her 20s, Nadya Okamoto shares her story both as a serial entrepreneur and as a young woman evolving. She founded and became executive director at age 16 of Period.org, a nonprofit organization with 900 chapters in all 50 states, and has gone on to expand her portfolio. She explains to the hosts how she came to her passion for destigmatizing and reimagining periods – and how she has been shaped by the journey.
...
2021-07-2217 minBusiness of the VCeek Women’s Health Changes the Way Gynecological Care is DeliveredAs we learn on this episode of Busine$$ of the V, the speculum represented a major advance for women’s health … back in the 1800s! So it’s not surprising that Dr. Dweck and Rachel’s guest often gets the following reaction when she introduces her new take on an old device: “Why didn’t someone think of this sooner?” or “It’s about time!”
Fahti Khosrowshahi, CEO & Founder of Ceek Women’s Health, shares the genesis of her innovative new speculum – from research and development to the patent process and field testing for both providers and patients. The feedback...
2021-07-1523 minBusiness of the VThis is How Ohnut Relieves Painful PenetrationIn this episode, Dr. Dweck and Rachel interview Emily Sauer, founder of OhNut, female entrepreneur, maker, IRL community leader, and sexual health advocate with a passion to empower women who are co-creating a deeper understanding of how sexual identity informs our individual and collective lives.
Emily shares how after years of painful intercourse, also known as dyspareunia, why and how she invented the OhNut, wearable rings that feel like skin to control the depth of penetration during intercourse. The OhNut is backed by renowned surgeons, pelvic floor physical therapists, sexual health educators and guided by a medical...
2021-07-0830 minBusiness of the VBrittany Baretto: Geneticist to Femtech EntrepreneurDo opposites attract? According to Brittany Barreto, a FemTech entrepreneur who launched her career with a DNA-based dating app, the answer is: Yes! In this episode of the Business of the V, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel Braun Scherl talk with this upstart geneticist about her burgeoning podcast, FemTech Focus, as well as the many ventures she’s helping to cultivate in the FemTech space. With more than 20,000 listeners in 88 countries during its inaugural year (during Covid19 lockdown), Brittany’s podcast platform has made an immediate impact on FemTech as both a business opportunity and critical key to understanding wome...
2021-07-0127 minBusiness of the VThe Future of Sex with Bryony ColeTechnology invades all the rooms in our house, so why don’t we talk about its impact in the bedroom? Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel talk taboo topics with Bryony Cole, a leading expert in sex tech. Her global sex tech hackathon events and Future of Sex podcast are considered the pinnacle of industry insights and innovation. Bryony is a sought-after consultant who partners with organizations across the world forecasting trends in the sextech industry for governments, tech titans and entertainment companies and walks our hosts through her trailblazing journey from the very beginning.
The hosts and the...
2021-06-2432 minBusiness of the VBonafide Creates Hormone Free Relief for Hot FlashesFor anyone who still thinks menopause is a forbidden topic, today’s episode breaks right through that barrier. Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel talking facts and welcoming insights from Mike Satow, president and CEO of Bonafide, a data-driven supplement company “on a mission to provide naturally effective solutions to perfectly natural symptoms.” Focused on women’s sexual and reproductive health, the company had a banner year in 2020 with more good things on tap for the year ahead. How Mike went from practicing law to becoming a serial entrepreneur in the health and wellness space makes for an interesting tale.
An...
2021-06-1719 minBusiness of the VCindy Gallop Teaches Us To Make Love Not PornIn this episode, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel have a raw and real conversation with Cindy Gallop, founder of MakeLoveNotPorn (MLNP), a social sextech platform designed to promote good sexual behavior and good sexual values. MLNP was launched at TED 2009. Cindy shares how MakeLoveNotPorn birthed from the desire to date younger men and her Ted Talk.
Cindy shares the impact she is seeing from building this online community and platform to educate, share and celebrate real life sex. She is also honest about the challenges of trying to normalize sex in the real world, particularly when it...
2021-06-1034 minBusiness of the VPandia Health Makes Ordering Birth Control Online Easy
In Episode 3, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel interview Sophia Yen, CEO and co-founder of Pandia Health, a health platform with the mission is to make women’s lives easier by bringing birth control to women wherever they have the internet and a mailbox. Dr. Yen is a reproductive health specialist who continually researches the data behind birth control and has a belief in using science to customize birth control for each woman.
Dr. Yen shares the business model of Pandia Health and explains how their passion is to provide affordable and convenient birth cont...
2021-06-0321 minBusiness of the VCallaly Creates a New Category in Menstrual HealthThis week’s episode features the introduction of a brand new product in a space that is overdue for some innovation: Menstruation products. It’s one of the most innovative developments in women’s period health care that our hosts, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel, have seen in some time. They welcome Thang Vo-Ta, a fascinating entrepreneur driven by the desire to deliver to women a better, more reliable and environmentally sustainable option for managing monthly menstruation.
After years of investment in development, design and testing that resulted very recently in coveted FDA approval, Thang’s company Callaly...
2021-05-2724 minBusiness of the VGennev Creates the First Telemedicine Menopause ClinicIn this episode, Dr. Alyssa Dweck and Rachel have a conversation with special guest Jill Angelo, founder of Gennev, the first ever online clinic for women in menopause. Together, they talk about menopause, what women are seeking for their own menopausal health and the impact that menopause has on the economy as well as the physical self.
First, Jill candidly shares how she began her career in tech and shifted "from tech to lube." Next, she explains how she laid the groundwork for Gennev by speaking with 1500 women to conduct research surrounding their menopause education, h...
2021-05-2025 minBusiness of the VIntroduction to Business of the VHello friends and colleagues, welcome to the Business of the V!
I’m Dr. Alyssa Dweck. I’m a gynecologist, surgeon and author. I speak vagina. I think the v is super cool to know about but not always so hip to talk about.
Have you ever wondered what’s normal down there, or worse, something scary?
What is that itch or worse that bump? What keeps you up at night when it comes to your v health? We will explore what’s on other women’s minds when it comes to periods, hormones...
2020-12-1101 min